His son-in-law John Ainsley told ITV News: "He was a wonderful man and we adored him with all our hearts. Whatever he was on stage, he was the same off stage.

"All the family were close to him. We went on holiday together. He started life as a labourer in Hull with no ambition or desire to be on stage. He just wanted to make people laugh."

He added: "He viewed the world with the philosophy that he saw the funny side of life on and off stage. It was a joy and an honor and a privilege to share his company and that's what everyone thought about him.

"His genius on stage was how he saw life and his act was how he saw life. He was always hilarious - even in his last few days with us he was still making us laugh."

Collier had been battling Parkinson's disease for several years.

He is survived by his wife Lucy and three children.

Writer Louis Barfe was among the many who paid tribute on Twitter, saying: "RIP Norman Collier. One of the funniest men to ever walk the Earth.

"I saw Norman Collier at the South Pier in Blackpool when I was a kid. I genuinely believe that he was one of the true greats."